Roos, Friends:
It’s Friday afternoon, and Austin College Homecoming weekend is here! Time for another “Roo Tale”.
Well, sorta. :)
As some of you might be aware, over the past year I’ve been telling stories of Austin College Sports from 25, 50, and 100+ years ago. They are a lot of fun for me to write, and hopefully they are an enjoyable read as well. There are many more to come. For those interested in reading all Roo Tales to date, visit the archive:
http://bit.ly/1UM0CSH
But for me personally, all of them ultimately take a back seat to the best tale of them all. The story of the 1981 NAIA D2 National Champion Austin College football team.
We are two months removed from the 35th anniversary of the national championship game, when the Kangaroos dramatically fought the Concordia Cobbers to a draw in Sherman. The tie earned both schools a national co-championship. On December 12, 2016, I plan on adding a few words of my own about the game and the national title, from the perspective of an AC student who arrived on campus in 1988 when the mythology of the 1981 team was strong.
I’ll also be posting a tribute video to the 1981 Roos. It’s about 80% done and ………. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s pretty doggone good. I no longer have a need for my Rocky IV soundtrack. To start my day, I just queue up the 1981 Roos video and I’ve got all the motivation I need before heading into work. And it wasn’t even that difficult. I mean, at the end of the day this story pretty much just writes itself, doesn’t it?
But the main reason for this particular Roo tale to come is pretty simple. I think it would be a whole lot of fun to get everyone who was on the field and in the stands on that cold December day back together again to talk about the season, the game, the championship, and of course………..”the kick”.
I’ve communicated this idea to AC athletic director David Norman (of the 1981 Roos). Coach Norman likely thinks I’m way over the top with all of this, and of course he would be right on the money. :) I’ve also been in contact with Concordia Tri-captain Dwight Hintermeister (of the 1981 Cobbers), who is helping me round up all of the Cobbers who might be interested in telling their stories as well. Thanks Dwight!
Just as important is to get the stories from the fans who were there that day. My former boss of 16 years, Mr. John Cotton (AC ’84), was there. We spent more than a few days talking about this game instead of doing I.T. work for the University of Texas. Priorities, people. ;) Also, my good friend Kevin Krause who graduated with me in 1992 was there as an 11 year old. Kevin’s father Ken Krause is a former Roo football player from over 50 years ago. John was kind enough to introduce me to Bill Magers at City Limits during Legends last summer; looking forward to meeting other ’81 Roos as well.
And there are probably a lot of Roos my age who were not there, but were heavily influenced by the folk tale that was the 1981 season and final game. Their stories should be included as well.
So this post is the beginning of a big roundup. I need your help! There are probably lots of folks who should be included and tagged that I just have not yet met. The fact that I don’t know them shouldn’t stop us from finding and including.
This post is public, and can be shared far and wide. Anyone highlighted below is a tagged Facebook (FB) friend. Anyone not highlighted below is someone on FB who has yet to accept a friend request from me. Please encourage them to accept or send me a request if they would like to tell their story. Also, please encourage anyone not on the lists below who is on FB and would like to tell their story to PM me and send a friend request. I will update the lists below as more come in over the next two months. Then I’ll tag everyone on December 12th.
Old gridiron warriors are like veterans. They can sometimes be reluctant to tell their stories. But doggone it, often the tales are too good and they need to be told. The amazing season of 1981 just cries out for storytellers.
The 1981 NAIA D2 National Co-Champion Austin College Kangaroos:
Jimmy Curry, David Norman, Gene Branum, Larry Shillings, Don Tafelski, Greg Garrison, Van Hargis, Russell Roden, Fouad Faris, Stuart Oliphint, Bill Draughn, Jeff Robbins, Eddie Shuttlesworth, Bill Magers, Rossi Felix, Don Parnell, Randy Sims, Rex Baker, Greg Larson, Clayton Oliphint, Mark Richards, Bill Magers, Edward Holt
The 1981 NAIA D2 National Co-Champion Concordia Cobbers:
Reid Christopherson, Bob Michaelson, John Solheim, David Rosengren, Greg Brolsma, Brian Kirkhorn, John Burns, Mark Wanner, Bruce Rimmereid, John Teeling, Mark Tommerdahl, Doug McMillan, Dwight Hintermeister, Bruce Winter, Kris Lahren, Lee Crum, Craig Simmons, Brad Larson, Greg Richardson, Donald Klatt, Thomas Dessaint, Stuart Alger, Cobber Sid (Concordia Athletics Page)
For those of you at Homecoming this weekend, have a great time. I won’t be there, but will be in the Outback with some other Roos two weeks later to see AC take on Southwestern. If you happen to be at that game, stop on by and say hello. We’ll chat next to the south goal post…….my favorite goal post. ;)
See y’all in December. Go Roos!
It’s Friday afternoon, and Austin College Homecoming weekend is here! Time for another “Roo Tale”.
Well, sorta. :)
As some of you might be aware, over the past year I’ve been telling stories of Austin College Sports from 25, 50, and 100+ years ago. They are a lot of fun for me to write, and hopefully they are an enjoyable read as well. There are many more to come. For those interested in reading all Roo Tales to date, visit the archive:
http://bit.ly/1UM0CSH
But for me personally, all of them ultimately take a back seat to the best tale of them all. The story of the 1981 NAIA D2 National Champion Austin College football team.
We are two months removed from the 35th anniversary of the national championship game, when the Kangaroos dramatically fought the Concordia Cobbers to a draw in Sherman. The tie earned both schools a national co-championship. On December 12, 2016, I plan on adding a few words of my own about the game and the national title, from the perspective of an AC student who arrived on campus in 1988 when the mythology of the 1981 team was strong.
I’ll also be posting a tribute video to the 1981 Roos. It’s about 80% done and ………. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s pretty doggone good. I no longer have a need for my Rocky IV soundtrack. To start my day, I just queue up the 1981 Roos video and I’ve got all the motivation I need before heading into work. And it wasn’t even that difficult. I mean, at the end of the day this story pretty much just writes itself, doesn’t it?
But the main reason for this particular Roo tale to come is pretty simple. I think it would be a whole lot of fun to get everyone who was on the field and in the stands on that cold December day back together again to talk about the season, the game, the championship, and of course………..”the kick”.
I’ve communicated this idea to AC athletic director David Norman (of the 1981 Roos). Coach Norman likely thinks I’m way over the top with all of this, and of course he would be right on the money. :) I’ve also been in contact with Concordia Tri-captain Dwight Hintermeister (of the 1981 Cobbers), who is helping me round up all of the Cobbers who might be interested in telling their stories as well. Thanks Dwight!
Just as important is to get the stories from the fans who were there that day. My former boss of 16 years, Mr. John Cotton (AC ’84), was there. We spent more than a few days talking about this game instead of doing I.T. work for the University of Texas. Priorities, people. ;) Also, my good friend Kevin Krause who graduated with me in 1992 was there as an 11 year old. Kevin’s father Ken Krause is a former Roo football player from over 50 years ago. John was kind enough to introduce me to Bill Magers at City Limits during Legends last summer; looking forward to meeting other ’81 Roos as well.
And there are probably a lot of Roos my age who were not there, but were heavily influenced by the folk tale that was the 1981 season and final game. Their stories should be included as well.
So this post is the beginning of a big roundup. I need your help! There are probably lots of folks who should be included and tagged that I just have not yet met. The fact that I don’t know them shouldn’t stop us from finding and including.
This post is public, and can be shared far and wide. Anyone highlighted below is a tagged Facebook (FB) friend. Anyone not highlighted below is someone on FB who has yet to accept a friend request from me. Please encourage them to accept or send me a request if they would like to tell their story. Also, please encourage anyone not on the lists below who is on FB and would like to tell their story to PM me and send a friend request. I will update the lists below as more come in over the next two months. Then I’ll tag everyone on December 12th.
Old gridiron warriors are like veterans. They can sometimes be reluctant to tell their stories. But doggone it, often the tales are too good and they need to be told. The amazing season of 1981 just cries out for storytellers.
The 1981 NAIA D2 National Co-Champion Austin College Kangaroos:
Jimmy Curry, David Norman, Gene Branum, Larry Shillings, Don Tafelski, Greg Garrison, Van Hargis, Russell Roden, Fouad Faris, Stuart Oliphint, Bill Draughn, Jeff Robbins, Eddie Shuttlesworth, Bill Magers, Rossi Felix, Don Parnell, Randy Sims, Rex Baker, Greg Larson, Clayton Oliphint, Mark Richards, Bill Magers, Edward Holt
The 1981 NAIA D2 National Co-Champion Concordia Cobbers:
Reid Christopherson, Bob Michaelson, John Solheim, David Rosengren, Greg Brolsma, Brian Kirkhorn, John Burns, Mark Wanner, Bruce Rimmereid, John Teeling, Mark Tommerdahl, Doug McMillan, Dwight Hintermeister, Bruce Winter, Kris Lahren, Lee Crum, Craig Simmons, Brad Larson, Greg Richardson, Donald Klatt, Thomas Dessaint, Stuart Alger, Cobber Sid (Concordia Athletics Page)
For those of you at Homecoming this weekend, have a great time. I won’t be there, but will be in the Outback with some other Roos two weeks later to see AC take on Southwestern. If you happen to be at that game, stop on by and say hello. We’ll chat next to the south goal post…….my favorite goal post. ;)
See y’all in December. Go Roos!
Austin College vs. Concordia Pregame Ceremonies, December 12th, 1981.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Coach Bob Mason and President Harry Smith at the start of the 1981 NAIA D2 National Championship Game in Sherman, TX.
I've lived through eight presidential elections since December 12, 1981. If I'm fortunate, I'll see another eight. Go vote if you have not done so.
AC Coach Larry Kramer and William Jewell Coach Vic Wallace meet at midfield before the NAIA D2 semifinal at Louis Calder stadium on December 5, 1981. William Jewell came into the game as an undefeated conference champion.
Austin College would win 33-28 and advance to the national championship game.
AC Coach Vance Morris was a William Jewell teammate of Bill Snyder in the late 1950s. Both were lured to AC by Kramer in the mid 70s, before Snyder departed and eventually made his way to Kansas State. Coach Morris was still around in 1981 though, and helped the Roos defeat his alma mater. Kramer would finish his coaching career as a Big XII assistant to Snyder in Manhattan, KS.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
But the mind needs respite. The soul craves sanctuary. And sport provides.
Sport is where we know that the battle is honorable, and the outcome just. It is what we wish life to be. Which is why we always come back. I hope the story of the 1981 Roos provides that refuge this month.
William Jewell was famous for its trick plays, and in desperation they pulled one out of their bag.
Down 5 in the final minute and facing a 4th & long, the Cardinals tight end took the hand off and ran a misdirection sweep, hopefully to TD glory and a semifinal playoff win.
The Roos were not fooled.
Coach David Norman (#7), Randy Sims (#66), Jimmy Curry (#2), and others on the Roo defense were waiting. Turnover on downs. Celebration. Game Over. On to the NAIA D2 National Championship game.
Hey Young Roos, check it out! And you thought Coach Norman was just your Athletic Director...........
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Bill Magers charges, and the Roos knock off Trinity in Sherman during the National Championship season of 1981.
I have my Roo buddies; so does my former boss of 15 years John Cotton. When he'd head up to Sherman from time to time, I'd ask him who he'd be seeing.
"I'm gonna go see the Mayor!"
I knew who he was talking about. Bill has moved on and is no longer the
Mayor of Sherman, but he's still the Mayor to me. John was kind enough
to introduce me to Bill at City Limits earlier this year.
Trinity is AC's oldest rival, but you would not have known it in 1981. The Roos knocked off the Tigers twice that year, and the seniors on that championship team were lifetime 7-0-1 against those other Presbyterians.
AC ends their season in San Antonio tomorrow against Trinity. Go Roos!
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Yes young Roos, we had planes in 1981...
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Trinity is AC's oldest rival, but you would not have known it in 1981. The Roos knocked off the Tigers twice that year, and the seniors on that championship team were lifetime 7-0-1 against those other Presbyterians.
AC ends their season in San Antonio tomorrow against Trinity. Go Roos!
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
We are all familiar with the "kick". But without this TD, there is no
conference championship, no playoff appearance, no national
championship, and.................there is no "kick".
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
The Parrish boys are College Station boys, just like the Fedora boys. We are A&M Consolidated Tigers. Along with many others, my folks arrived in the mid-70s, as Brazos County began to benefit from OPEC oil politics.
And so it was with pride that I offered my Dad a little AC Roos / AMC Tigers trivia on a random weekend in the 1990s. He one upped me.
"Hey Dad, did you know AMC Tiger Larry Fedora was a member of that AC championship team?"
"I did. Did you know their QB was a Bryan Viking?"
“You're kidding."
College Station kids around 1981 would cheer for our struggling AMC Tigers, but we'd also watch our neighbors in Bryan with awe. The Vikings won state titles in basketball, had numerous playoff runs in football, and provided instant classic matchups with rival Temple. The Merrill Green era produced some tremendous athletes, many of whom would head to nearby Texas A&M to compete. Curtis Dickey, Rudy Woods, and Rod Bernstine are just a few.
Larry Shillings belongs in that group. I was too young to ever see him compete, but other friends and family were not. The 1981 Roos, like most AC teams, were composed primarily of fellas in and around the Metroplex. But the secret sauce of the championship team? My home. Brazos Valley, baby.
While he gave a lot to high school fans in Bryan, I'm glad he saved his best stuff for Sherman. Looking forward to meeting you one day Larry.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
The Parrish boys are College Station boys, just like the Fedora boys. We are A&M Consolidated Tigers. Along with many others, my folks arrived in the mid-70s, as Brazos County began to benefit from OPEC oil politics.
And so it was with pride that I offered my Dad a little AC Roos / AMC Tigers trivia on a random weekend in the 1990s. He one upped me.
"Hey Dad, did you know AMC Tiger Larry Fedora was a member of that AC championship team?"
"I did. Did you know their QB was a Bryan Viking?"
“You're kidding."
College Station kids around 1981 would cheer for our struggling AMC Tigers, but we'd also watch our neighbors in Bryan with awe. The Vikings won state titles in basketball, had numerous playoff runs in football, and provided instant classic matchups with rival Temple. The Merrill Green era produced some tremendous athletes, many of whom would head to nearby Texas A&M to compete. Curtis Dickey, Rudy Woods, and Rod Bernstine are just a few.
Larry Shillings belongs in that group. I was too young to ever see him compete, but other friends and family were not. The 1981 Roos, like most AC teams, were composed primarily of fellas in and around the Metroplex. But the secret sauce of the championship team? My home. Brazos Valley, baby.
While he gave a lot to high school fans in Bryan, I'm glad he saved his best stuff for Sherman. Looking forward to meeting you one day Larry.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
I'll take amazingly prophetic Gene Branum headlines for $100, Alex...
Fall 1988. I cheer on my 1988 Roos as they attempt to replicate the success of the 1981 Roos. Didn't you hear? National Champions. "Dramatic field goal by Gene Branum." Gene Branum, Gene Branum, Gne Brnm...
Spring 1989. I sign up for a fraternity. Start memorizing the founding fathers or else. Repeat a gazillion times. "Start with this guy, Gene Branum." Gene Branum, Gene Branum, Gne Brnm...
Summer 1989. I head home for College Station. Mom greets me at the door. "Sorry son, left your father. Headed west with Gene Branum." Gene Branum, Gene Branum, Gne Brnm...
OK, one of those might not be exactly true.
Gene Branum (#10) and Dwight Hintermeister (#73) accept individual honors after the National Championship game on December 12, 1981. Game MVP? Captains? Someone in Facebook land will have to reveal the answer.
Dwight, I'm going to do one last round of Facebook messaging to the Cobbers I've identified, so that more friend requests will be accepted and I can tag on 12/12. No obligation for them of course. The post will be public, so all Cobbers can comment even without accepting a friend request. Would love for as many Concordia folks as possible to tell their stories and have their co-championship honored.
Also, I'm working on a little Cobber tribute video too. Granted, not gonna be nearly as good as the Roo video. But it feels appropriate to me and hope you enjoy. Found the Cobber fight song on the web!
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
A Happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend to you all!
It’s the oldest lesson in sports, yet it’s the one most frequently ignored. Never, ever give your opponents bulletin board material.
Austin College journeyed to Goodwell, Oklahoma to take on Panhandle State in the first round of the NAIA playoffs. The Aggies were an undefeated conference champion playing at home.
Panhandle State had a size advantage. They were big, bigger than the Roos, and way bigger than Rory Dukes……….Austin College’s sure-handed, speedy, tough, yet diminutive receiver. At the pregame meal, the snickers and chuckles began. And the seething Roos heard them all.
“Poor Aggies”.
The motivated Roos came out guns a blazing. By halftime, AC held a 21-0 lead thanks in part to two Larry Shillings-to-Rory Dukes TDs. A second half comeback by Panhandle made things interesting, but an NAIA playoff record 53-yard field goal by Gene Branum put the game out of reach.
That NAIA playoff record kick only lasted a total of 3 weeks. Somebody should go find and tell that story. ;)
With the win, the TIAA had finally notched its first ever NAIA playoff victory. The Roos came home for a semifinal matchup with William Jewell in Sherman. Like Panhandle State, the Cardinals were also an undefeated conference champion. Unlike Panhandle State however, the Cardinals had just knocked off defending NAIA champion and #1 ranked Pacific Lutheran (WA). National Championships are never easy.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Greg Garrison scores, and the Roos beat defending TIAA Champion McMurry in Sherman.
The Roos would later defeat McMurry again in Abilene, clinching a conference championship and earning an NAIA playoff birth.
The newly reformed TIAA had not had much success in the NAIA playoffs, as one conference champion after another bowed out in the first round. Tarleton fell in 1978. The Roos lost in Kansas in 1979. And McMurry was sent packing in 1980.
After the game in Abilene, McMurry coach Spud Aldridge did something very uncharacteristic. He spoke to the Roos in the visiting locker room, and asked them to win it all...........for the conference.
Over the final 7 games, Austin College faced 4 undefeated foes. None would win. However, 3 of the 4 came up short at the friendly confines of Louis Calder stadium. 1 perfect opponent would have to be defeated on the road. The Roos prepared to travel to Oklahoma.
"Thanks" for "giving" the Roos the pep talk Coach. I suspect they did you proud.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
The Roos were behind in 6 games during the 1981 season, and the national semifinal against William Jewell in Sherman was no exception.
Finlay Woodruff (#82), Fouad Faris (#40), Mackey Clark (#54), Stuart Oliphint (#43), and Jeff McCord (#29) on punt coverage early in the game.
Don Tafelski (#21) and Jason Schiflett (#5) block a WJ punt in the first quarter, leading to a Clayton Oliphint TD which erases an early Cardinal lead.
Finlay Woodruff (#82), David Adams (#70), Don Parnell (#65), Greg Cason (#57), and Eddie Shuttlesworth (#53) push back the Cardinals DL and Larry Shillings (#12) scores on a sneak. The TD would give the Roos a margin William Jewell would not be able to overcome.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
I have a rule. If a 1981 Roo likes or comments, I go out and find 'em. I think I'm all caught up.
A Larry Shillings to David Simmons (#44) screen pass puts AC up 9 in the second half against William Jewell. Greg Larson (#73) and Russell Roden (#26) blocking lead the way.
My good friend Wayne Whitmire had a great idea yesterday. Submit this story to local (DFW) & national (ESPN, Fox Sports) media. I'll be doing a little of that this weekend, by emailing the story details plus content (yes, video of the "kick"). Great stories should be shared.
Gene Branum has indicated to me that he will offer some words on the December 12th online anniversary to come. I'm excited to read, and encourage all of you to do the same. This story only gets better when those who were on the field or in the stands write.
Pretty much daily posting for the next 12 days. If you don't like Roo football, you might want to unfollow me. :)
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
And if you didn't get your money's worth the next week either? Well, there just ain't pleasin' some people....
Paula Young Morris posted a tremendous photo of Coaches Morris, Snyder, and Kramer at Legends in 2012. See comments for the photo. Morris & Kramer are in that celebration picture somewhere; I think I have them spotted.
By 1981, Snyder had left UNT for Iowa with Hayden Fry, and was preparing for a January 1st date with Washington in the Rose Bowl. Was Coach Snyder in Sherman in December? My guess is no; Big Ten championships make a busy coach's life even busier. But some of you may know the answer.
Next week, it's all Roos & Cobbers.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Jimmy Curry (#2) closes in on the WJ quarterback in the NAIA semifinal game in Sherman.
Larry Shillings (#12) fires a bullet into the end zone, with the 1981 AC campus in the background. No IDEA Center, no Abell Library, and a clear view to Baker Hall. I think I see Wayne Whitmire and Kelly Carver's room.
Van Hargis (#25) scores on a screen pass to put the Roos on the board in the first quarter.
If you think this game is fun, wait till next week. ;)
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
In the 1981 quarterfinals, the Roos faced an undefeated conference
champion team that currently resides in its college's hall of fame.
In the 1981 semifinals, the Roos faced an undefeated conference champion team that currently resides in its college's hall of fame.
The Concordia Cobbers came to Sherman to faceoff against the Kangaroos for the 1981 NAIA D2 championship. The Cobbers were...........an undefeated conference champion team that currently resides in its college's hall of fame.
All this week, the greatest moment in AC sports history.
As a reminder, on Monday December 12th I will be launching a 1981 Kangaroos home page. The page includes:
(1) A National Champions tribute video (it's good!)
(2) A National Champions scrapbook (also good!)
(3) All game film accumulated to date
Please continue to send me additional content after December 12th. I'll add to the home page and will send out updates.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more” – William Shakespeare
In the half century history of the Super Bowl, only one team has ever erased a two-score 4th quarter deficit. The New England Patriots overcame a 10-point Seattle Seahawks lead in the last period to win Super Bowl 49 in Phoenix.
As the 4th quarter began on December 12, 1981 in Sherman, the Roos also found themselves down 10 to the Cobbers. But a determined drive would soon put AC in the red zone.
In both games, the lead was cut to three on short TD passes to receivers from Texas. For the Patriots, it was Brady-to-Amendola. For the Roos? Shillings-to-Oliphint.
But time was slowly ticking away. The Cobbers now had the ball with the lead late in the game, and the AC fans and sidelines were hoping, cheering, and pleading for the Roo defense to force a three-and-out.
They got it.
Concordia’s punt was a touchback, and the Roos had the ball once more at their own 20. One final drive, to decide a championship. Just like Super Bowl 49 itself, that drive would end dramatically.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
Larry Shillings (#12) fires a bullet into the end zone, with the 1981 AC campus in the background. No IDEA Center, no Abell Library, and a clear view to Baker Hall. I think I see Wayne Whitmire and Kelly Carver's room.
Van Hargis (#25) scores on a screen pass to put the Roos on the board in the first quarter.
If you think this game is fun, wait till next week. ;)
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
In the 1981 semifinals, the Roos faced an undefeated conference champion team that currently resides in its college's hall of fame.
The Concordia Cobbers came to Sherman to faceoff against the Kangaroos for the 1981 NAIA D2 championship. The Cobbers were...........an undefeated conference champion team that currently resides in its college's hall of fame.
All this week, the greatest moment in AC sports history.
As a reminder, on Monday December 12th I will be launching a 1981 Kangaroos home page. The page includes:
(1) A National Champions tribute video (it's good!)
(2) A National Champions scrapbook (also good!)
(3) All game film accumulated to date
Please continue to send me additional content after December 12th. I'll add to the home page and will send out updates.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more” – William Shakespeare
In the half century history of the Super Bowl, only one team has ever erased a two-score 4th quarter deficit. The New England Patriots overcame a 10-point Seattle Seahawks lead in the last period to win Super Bowl 49 in Phoenix.
As the 4th quarter began on December 12, 1981 in Sherman, the Roos also found themselves down 10 to the Cobbers. But a determined drive would soon put AC in the red zone.
In both games, the lead was cut to three on short TD passes to receivers from Texas. For the Patriots, it was Brady-to-Amendola. For the Roos? Shillings-to-Oliphint.
But time was slowly ticking away. The Cobbers now had the ball with the lead late in the game, and the AC fans and sidelines were hoping, cheering, and pleading for the Roo defense to force a three-and-out.
They got it.
Concordia’s punt was a touchback, and the Roos had the ball once more at their own 20. One final drive, to decide a championship. Just like Super Bowl 49 itself, that drive would end dramatically.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
“Believe you can and you're halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I was a senior at Austin College 10 years after the championship. As I made preparations for a Jan Term in Mexico, I stopped by Roo QB John Talley's house to watch some NFL playoffs. My Oilers were taking on John Elway and the Broncos in Denver.
Things looked good. With a 1-point lead late, Denver faced a 4th-and-6 deep in its territory. One stop, and Houston was on its way to the AFC Championship. But John Elway had other plans. With nobody open, Elway took off left and just barely converted to keep the drive alive. A David Treadwell field goal won it for Denver.
As the minutes ticked down, the final Roo drive marched methodically into Cobber territory. But it ran into trouble. At the Concordia 46, Austin College faced a 4th-and-4. One stop, and the game was over. The anticipation on the Cobber sidelines was visible.
The Roos ran an option left, and Greg Garrison was available for a pitch.
But Larry Shillings saw an opening.
Shillings darted for daylight as if the season depended upon it. The Cobbers caught up to him, but it was too late. First down just inside the Cobber 40. Drive alive. Game alive. Season alive. National Championship alive.
The Roo drive was halfway there, but would advance no further. However, Shillings’s run had put Austin College in Gene Branum’s field goal range…….by inches.
Just like Jim Vice of the Roos, the holder of that game winning David Treadwell kick in Denver was the backup QB. Gary Kubiak is known for a number of things, including leading his Texas Aggies to an Independence Bowl victory……….on December 12, 1981.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination” – Tommy Lasorda
“With that kind of courage, how could I turn him down? I waved at him and said ‘Go ahead’.” – Austin College Coach Larry Kramer
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take” – Author unknown
Coach Dale: All right, listen up. Here's what we're gonna do. Jimmy, they'll be expecting you to take the last shot. We're gonna use you as a decoy. Buddy, you get the ball, give it to Merle on the picket fence. He's gonna take the last shot. All right, let's go. What's the matter with you guys? What's the matter with you?
Chitwood: I’ll make it.
At the time of Gene Branum's kick, only 25 men had ever kicked a field goal longer than 57 yards in the modern college game. 14 of the 25 would end up kicking professionally on Sunday. None of their kicks directly impacted the outcome of their games.
To see the kick in all of its glory, wait until Monday’s tribute video. You’ll be glad you did.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break
records.” – William Arthur Ward
“Football is a game of inches and inches make the champion.”
– Vince Lombardi
“It was one HECK of a kick.” – Legendary Concordia Cobbers
Coach Jim Christopherson
“You find out life's this game of inches, so is football.
Because in either game - life or football - the margin for error is so small. I
mean, one half a step too late or too early and you don't quite make it. One
half second too slow, too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need
are everywhere around us. They're in every break of the game, every minute,
every second. On this team we fight for that inch.” – Tony D’Amato, Any Given
Sunday
Today’s writing comes from the
1981 ACKnowledge Special about the Championship season. Is this your writing John Sniffen? It’s great stuff. But tomorrow’s writing is my favorite.
Today’s photo is also
great. But tomorrow’s photo is also my
favorite. In fact, it took me 35 years
to see tomorrow’s photo. Thanks to
Clayton Oliphint, that wait ended.
Maybe that wait will end for
some of you too.
To see the kick in all of its glory, wait until Monday’s
tribute video. You’ll be glad you did.
I'll be posting these photos sporadically over the next
month until the 35th anniversary. See you on December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
It's a game of inches...
“They made the center crossbar so that it extended from end to end at the middle of the frames.” – Exodus 36:33
“Go up to the land flowing with
milk and honey.” – Exodus 33:3
To see the kick in all of its
glory, wait until Monday’s tribute video.
You’ll be glad you did.
I'll be posting these photos
sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on
December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
I’ve actually been thinking about this story for some time…
I headed up for Legends this past summer, to congratulate Coach David Norman on the Spencer Award and to hang out at City Limits with Wayne Whitmire, Kevin Krause, Frank Tooley, Pat Rabjohn, John Cotton, Kirk Hughes, Brien Sanders, Jason Johnson, and others. But I snuck away at one point. I needed a picture of the 1981 National Champions banner on the scoreboard.
While walking around Louis Calder stadium, I began to wonder about Branum’s view. What was he looking at, standing at midfield, focused, waiting for the snap, stepping forward, putting foot to ball, and directing a pigskin to a crossbar from roughly 60 yards away from where I’m standing?
I headed up for Legends this past summer, to congratulate Coach David Norman on the Spencer Award and to hang out at City Limits with Wayne Whitmire, Kevin Krause, Frank Tooley, Pat Rabjohn, John Cotton, Kirk Hughes, Brien Sanders, Jason Johnson, and others. But I snuck away at one point. I needed a picture of the 1981 National Champions banner on the scoreboard.
While walking around Louis Calder stadium, I began to wonder about Branum’s view. What was he looking at, standing at midfield, focused, waiting for the snap, stepping forward, putting foot to ball, and directing a pigskin to a crossbar from roughly 60 yards away from where I’m standing?
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – Thomas Paine
“Joy is a divine gift…” – Pastor
Clayton Oliphint
“Celebrate good times, come on”
– Kool & The Gang
December 12, 1981 was a big day
for Texas football.
In Texas high school football,
G.A. Moore and the North Texas community of Pilot Point advanced to the state
title game, where they would later when the championship. Last night, the family of 1981 Roo Bill
Magers and the North Texas community of Gunter advanced to the state title game
in Dallas. Go Gunter! Go Roos!
In McAllen, Texas State defeated
North Dakota State for the NCAA D2 National Championship. North Dakota State is located just a few
miles from Concordia.
In Shreveport, Texas A&M
defeated Oklahoma State to win the Independence Bowl. The Aggies go bowling this month against Roo
Bill Snyder and Kansas State.
In Dallas, Tom Landry, Danny
White, and the Dallas Cowboys were preparing for an NFC East clinching win
against Philadelphia at Texas Stadium the following day. Today, Jason Garrett, Dak Prescott, and the
Dallas Cowboys are also preparing for an NFC East clinching win tomorrow.
All big events, and the Dallas
Morning News sports section ran stories on all of them. But in the end, only one story can be “page
one, top-of-the-fold”. See all the joy in
the comments below.
To see the kick in all of its glory, wait until Monday’s tribute video. You’ll be glad you did.
I'll be posting these photos
sporadically over the next month until the 35th anniversary. See you on
December 12th. http://bit.ly/2ep3Y5N
"Those kids
made a heck of a coach out of me." - Larry Kramer
“Enough tribute can never be paid to Larry Kramer. He was a
force of pure will. He put a lasting imprint on those of us fortunate enough to
play for him.” – Gene Branum
“Coach Kramer made champions and men out of us one at a
time but figured out how to get us all to play as one champion.” – Van Hargis
“I've often been asked in the years since Lake
Placid what was the best moment for me. Well,
it was here. The sight of young men of
such differing backgrounds now standing as one.
Young men willing to sacrifice so much of themselves all for an unknown.”
– Coach Herb Brooks, in “Miracle”
"I feel as happy as I did when I was at Nebraska and
we won the Orange Bowl. It's the exact
same feeling. Football is the same
wherever you are. The field is always 100 yards long. The same feeling is
there, whether you are playing in a small stadium or whether there are 100,000
people in the stands." – Larry Kramer, as retold by Russell Roden
“You can come to AC and win
championships, it just won't be in front of 50,000 people.” – Coach Larry
Kramer, to Larry Shillings
“Buddy. Hold this
under the backboard.”
- 15 feet.
“15 feet. Strap, put Ollie on your shoulders. Measure this from the rim.”
- Ten feet.
“Ten feet. I think you'll find this is the exact same measurements as our gym in Hickory. OK, let's get dressed for practice.” – Coach Norman Dale, in “Hoosiers”
- 15 feet.
“15 feet. Strap, put Ollie on your shoulders. Measure this from the rim.”
- Ten feet.
“Ten feet. I think you'll find this is the exact same measurements as our gym in Hickory. OK, let's get dressed for practice.” – Coach Norman Dale, in “Hoosiers”
This post is dedicated to Austin College Coach Larry Kramer (1942-2014). Herb Brooks & Larry Kramer are both Minnesota natives, and Coach Kramer’s defining moment at AC came against a team from Minnesota.
The 1981 Kangaroos were picked
to finish third…………in conference. They
finished first…….in the nation.
Thanks to all of you for letting
me tell the best AC Roo Tale ever told.
It’s been a lot of fun for me, and I hope you enjoyed. I’ll have a few final words tomorrow, but at
this point I am just as interested in reading.
If moved to write, thank you in advance.
The 1981 tribute video,
scrapbook, and game film are all ready to go.
They’ll be hosted on a new “Roo Tale” blog to be posted tomorrow. On this blog, you’ll also be able to read
older Roo Tales already written, and newer stories still to come. Roo Tale suggestions are always encouraged.
For those interested in
financially supporting, there are also giving links to both “Austin College”
and “AC Athletic Enrichment”. Go Roos.
As for the guys on the 1981
team, I’m looking forward to crashing your next reunion. You can count on me lobbying for a future
Roo-Cobber flag football OT anniversary extravaganza. Maybe we should finish this thing. :)
See you tomorrow.
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